Science has linked aerobic exercise to improved brainpower. Could it actually make you smarter and more successful?

I can make you smarter in 30 minutes. Not the kind of smart that's acquired through learning something new, like small-engine repair or quadratic equations. I'm talking about improving your brain from the inside out, the kind of smart that leads to faster and more accurate decision making, yields greater productivity, and inspires innovation. If you want to be calculating about it, it's the kind of smart that makes you money. And all you'll need to invest is a half hour, three or four hundred calories, and 80 bucks for a decent pair of running shoes.

For years, aerobic exercise has been touted for its many health benefits; it's no leap to suggest that it can reduce your risk of nearly every known disease. And this is especially true concerning heart health. But the effect of cardio reaches far beyond lipid profiles and blood-pressure readings. In fact, it may do as much for your brain as it does for your ticker; maybe more.

Exercise Your Brain
There have been thousands of studies on how aerobic exercise affects cardiovascular health, but there are equally powerful ones that assess its impact on mental performance. Of course, intuitively, one could argue that cardio is just mentally arousing, like a Starbucks double latte. Exercise, after all, raises your heart rate and increases the flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout your body, including your brain. This is a partial explanation, but the whole picture is more complicated.

Marathon Race Day TipsOnce you have put in your mileage and properly trained, hopefully you will be ready to turn in that PR on race day (or be a first time finisher). Here are some tips that should help you on race day.

When to Use Energy Gels and Hydration Drinks and Can They Be Used Together?All athletes need three things: hydration, energy and electrolyte replacement. To perform at your best you want to get the proper amounts of each in perfect balance. The good news is that we make it easy to do using either e-Gel or e-Fuel.

How to Avoid The Porta Potty During a RaceWe've all seen it and most of us have done it ... 30 minutes (or less) into a race athletes are already looking for a port potty. The good news is that it doesn't have to be that way. The secret is a proper hydration plan before the gun goes off, and here's how you do it.

Hydration: The Key to Optimum Performance with Energy GelsWater is the key to proper gel usage, because gels are absorbed in your small intestine and water is the transport vehicle that allows this to occur. If you fall behind on your water intake during longer workouts, you run the risk of dehydration, delayed benefits from the gel and possible stomach irritation.

How to Control Breathing While RunningMaintain an efficient breathing pattern while running to avoid hyperventilating and overwhelming the body with oxygen intake. Control your breathing with tips from a professional fitness trainer in this video on running.

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